Why does my iMac see my Nano as a USB Drive and not as an iPod?

A quick rundown:
1. Ensure your Nano’s software and macOS are up-to-date.
2. Test Nano on another computer.
3. Try a different iMac user account.
4. Check the USB identification in ‘System Report’ under ‘About This Mac.’

In another case, the issue was with the cable itself. Even if the cable charges your Nano, it might not be facilitating proper data transfer. Consider:
1. Using a different, preferably certified USB cable.
2. Trying another USB port on your iMac, one that you haven’t used with the Nano before.

One common issue could be an outdated version of iTunes. Follow these steps to ensure iTunes is up-to-date:
1. Open iTunes on your iMac.
2. Click on the ‘iTunes’ menu in the upper-left corner.
3. Select ‘Check for Updates’ from the dropdown menu.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to install any available updates.
After updating, try reconnecting your iPod Nano to see if it’s properly recognized.

Reinstalling iTunes worked for me once. Here’s how to do it:
1. Uninstall iTunes from your iMac.
2. Download the latest iTunes version from the Apple website.
3. Install the new version and restart your iMac.
4. Connect your Nano again to see if it is recognized as an iPod.

This might be related to a firmware issue with your iPod Nano. Sometimes, the device’s firmware can become corrupted or outdated, leading to recognition issues. Try resetting your Nano by holding down the Menu and Center (or Select) buttons simultaneously for around 6-8 seconds until the Apple logo appears. Once your Nano restarts, reconnect it to your iMac to see if the problem is resolved.

I had a similar problem, and the issue turned out to be with the USB connection settings on my Nano. Here’s what you can do:
1. Disconnect your Nano from your iMac.
2. On your Nano, go to ‘Settings.’
3. Find the ‘Reset Settings’ option and select it. This resets connection settings without erasing your data.
4. Reconnect your Nano to your iMac and see if it’s recognized correctly.

Another solution could be deleting preference files for iTunes and iPod:
1. Close iTunes and disconnect your Nano.
2. Open Finder, select ‘Go’ > ‘Go to Folder,’ and type ‘~/Library/Preferences.’
3. Delete files starting with ‘com.apple.iTunes’ and ‘com.apple.iPod.plist.’
4. Restart your iMac and reconnect your Nano.

Your USB drivers or services might be the issue. Here’s a possible fix:
1. Restart your iMac in Safe Mode while connecting only the Nano.
2. If recognized correctly, suspect third-party software.
3. Restart your iMac normally and identify/remove conflicting software.

For a more comprehensive approach, try updating both macOS and iTunes. Then, reset the SMC and check your iPod Nano’s settings:
1. Update macOS: Click the Apple icon, go to ‘About This Mac,’ and select ‘Software Update.’
2. Update iTunes similarly by checking for updates within the app.
3. Reset the SMC: Shut down your iMac, unplug the power cord for 15 seconds, plug it back in, wait for 5 seconds, and restart.
4. Reset your Nano’s settings: Disconnect Nano, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Reset,’ then reconnect.
Following these steps helped resolve connectivity issues for multiple users, including myself.

Your macOS might be causing the issue, especially if you recently updated it. Try these steps:
1. Restart both your iMac and iPod Nano.
2. If the problem persists, reset the NVRAM on your iMac:
a. Shut down your iMac.
b. Turn it back on while holding the Option, Command, P, and R keys for about 20 seconds, then release.
Your iMac will continue to start up. Check if the Nano is properly recognized afterward.